Spring Classes @ Chicago Cultural Center's World Kitchen

I thought I'd provide a heads up to the recent release of the Chicago Cultural Center's World Kitchen spring schedule....

I've taken part of these classes for about 2 years now and LOVE them. Very cool, very interesting, very fun, and very CHEAP. Here's the blurb from their website:

• "Explore Chicago's diverse cultural heritage through ethnic cuisines, and focus on culinary skills and techniques in our state-of-the-art facility. World Kitchen offers opportunities to experience the true pleasures of food as nourishment for the body as well as art for the soul. Food industry professionals share their expertise with students at any level of cooking experience.
• All World Kitchen classes are $30 and require pre-registration; reservations for all classes can be made by phone or in person. Call the hotline number at 312-742-TIXS or visit the box office located in the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph St. You can also register online at www.cityofchicago.org/tourism The box office is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6pm."

If you're interested, I'd advise that you're quick to sign up as the classes tend to fill up fast. Here's how each class is run: first, there's a short lecture, next you split into groups to cook your assigned item(s) on the menu, and lastly you get to eat your creations family-style with your classmates. Classes are held Thursday evenings or Saturdays.

Here are the classes for the season (pardon the cheesy titles):

1. It Is Easy Being Green: Spring has sprung and so has the abundance of green produce at the market. Creatively incorporate artichoke, avocado, asparagus, spinach, herbs and more into your cooking.
   
2. Gaga for Garlic: Learn how to store, prepare and cook with garlic, as well as garlic history, myths and medicinal properties.
   
3. Culinary School Classics: Recent culinary school graduates share their knowledge of essential techniques for classic recipes, and how to build on those skills at home with some creative variations.
   
4. Mushroom Madness: Never before have we had grocery-store access to so many types of mushrooms, not to mention the wild ones found by forgers in spring. Now is the time to get out the recipe files and experiment with all of them. We’ll be sharing our special collection of elegant recipe ideas with you in this class featuring ideas appropriate for all types of meals.
   
5. At the Mercado: As our Latin population grows and our tastes expand to embrace the Latin flavors, ingredients are more easily available. Now is the time to learn about what these wonderful products and flavors are, where to buy them, and how to use them to spice up your menu at home.
   
6. Garden of Herbs: Our city motto celebrates a “City in a Garden” and today we venture into that garden to explore the fresh herbs that are easy to grow or buy and easy to use. Put a little sparkle in your food and drink with these recipes featuring the common and exploring the new.
   
7. ABCs of Oils & Vinegars: Have you seen all of the specialty oils and vinegars lining the aisles of gourmet stores recently? Infused with a variety of fruits and vegetables, they look interesting and delicious…but how do you use them? Have you wondered how to use them? Have you tasted something made with one of these and want to know more? Here is your chance to experiment and add to your recipe collection just as salad season approaches.
   
8. Cooking with Dad: It’s the weekend for Dad to get our special attention. If yours is the type who watches TV food shows, or loves to make a pot of chili, bring him to this class and enjoy some quality time together while you extend the repertoire for both of you. Must be 16 years of age to participate.
   
9. Red Ripe Summer Strawberries: We wait anxiously for the first strawberries of the season to indicate that summer is really here. Farmers markets offer a number of types you may not have tried before, so here are the recipes you will need when they make their all-too-short appearance this season.
   
10. Take a Trip to Thailand: Coming downtown will be less hassle and cheaper! Join us today and we will investigate the flavors of Thailand with recipes you can duplicate at home. Then extend the fun by planning to attend the Taste of Thailand festival at Daley plaza June 18 – 20.
    
11. Sandwiches, Wraps & Salads, Oh My!: Tired of turkey and bored with the same old salad for lunch? We’ve got ideas to spark up your sandwiches and salads for lunchtime, picnics, easy suppers or anytime at all.
    
12. Street Fare: Get ready for the Taste of Chicago by learning how to make some of the most interesting street food our many ethnic communities have to offer. These bites and the neighborhood history can be the basis for a party, or just give you a better understanding for visiting the neighborhood festivals this summer.

So yeah, there's that. I hope you come. Who knows, you may see me there....I'll be the loyal drone in the back of the room who agreed to help clean their the dishes from time to time because (a) I'm gullible and (b) I really love this program.

~ Shoes